Westside Innovative School House

Thankfully WISH Charter Elementary School offers a "transitional kindergarten," class with a kindergarten curriculum for children who could benefit from the gift of time to develop emotionally and socially. With only two days of school left, I am simply over-the-moon with this gem of a school. The collaboration of dedicated teachers, the principle and staff whose mission places the students first, have been instrumental in making this first year at a charter school one that I will be grateful for the rest of my life... and one I will continue with for the duration of both of my children's educations. My daughter's teachers Ms. KZ and Mr. B are incredibly talented and make learning enjoyable for all the students. WISH is a model school for quality education. The teachers collaborate often on a weekly basis to assess the learning development of all students and problem solve together. Service Learning, Arts and Music are a reality. The WISH Charter E.S. "community" shares a common spirit of "together we can."
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in this school and we really love it. we are grateful to the teachers principal leadership.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is a Kindergartner at WISH and we love it! This new school has made an amazing impression on us as well as the community. The small class sizes, very involved principle and progressive approach to learning are so refreshing. My child is flourishing in both her education as well as her social development. We feel WISH offers a whole child approach to learning and we are honored to be a part of it! -parent
—Submitted by a parent

WISH spends the exact same percentage of their budget on serving the special needs population as every other LAUSD school...PERIOD. I know first hand, and felt it important to address the post here that was misinformed. In addition, the paraprofessionals who are in the classroom serve ALL students, which is not only a great component, it's different from what other schools adhere to (assigning one-on-one aides). All of the children at WISH are encouraged to explore their independence without feeling "singled out" because of any special needs they may have, in a safe, caring environment. GO WISH!
—Submitted by a parent

I am so lucky that my daughter is in kindergarten at WISH. Her teacher is an experienced fourth year teacher who previously taught at LAUSD and other neighboring school districts. The small class size and personal interactions from the principal on down make for a wonderful, warm, and amazing school experience. This is school the way it should be. Thank you WISH!
—Submitted by a parent

Wish is a gem within our community of schools. My daughter is in 2nd grade and loves her teacher Ms Shelley. Ms Shelley is very caring and attentive to her students. From the beginning of the school year till now my daughter has bloomed. Not only in her education experience but in her character which is reflected in her school work. I invite parents of all grade levels to attend at least one of their Open Houses!
—Submitted by a parent

WISH is not only assuring that my child gets the best education possible, the administration and staff are teaching students how to make their world a better place. This is being done in so many ways, every minute of every day. They are taught how to treat themselves and each other with respect; respecting their differences and celebrating everyone's accomplishments, both large and small. It is no exaggeration to say that this generation is going to make a profound, positive contribution in large part because of WISH. THANK YOU for showing us all how education SHOULD be and nurturing our children.
—Submitted by a parent

Pros: -Small class size 20 to 1 -Small school, everyone knows everyone, feels like a family -Great principal Ms. Draxton, Felicia in the office and Mr. B are amazing -Music, P.E. Art every week -Project base learning is used in the classroom (not always) -Great hot lunch program -Great after school care program and enrichment program -Inclusion program like CHIME, which means special needs students are integrated into the classroom. This Teaches apathy to other children and gives all children the right to an education Cons: -Most teachers are very young and lacking experience. We find our child's teacher to be so green, we have struggled this year. -Lacks diversity, majority of the families are from Westchester and surrounding area -Raising Funds is misguided and struggling, rather then tapping into the greater community the WCA (PTA) asks for money from families mainly. -Because funding is lacking and the school has a high number if IEP specialists for the special needs children at the school, a lot of funding goes directly to subsidize what the LAUSD can not provide. Do not be fooled by manic optimism, the average kids could be over looked. With time WISH will be great!
—Submitted by a parent

Eddy Award-winning First Grade Teacher Alison Sitrick is amazing! We love her. Our daughter loves her. WISH is an amazing school with amazing teachers. We couldn't be happier with the quality of education. Shawna Draxton, the principal is engaging, accessible and lovely with the children. We are so very happy we found this school! Parents are VERY involved and the community is so very supportive. YAY WISH!
—Submitted by a parent

My family is so lucky to be a part of the Wish community. Our daughter is currently in Kindergarten and loves going to school every day. We have seen our daughter grow and thrive at Wish. She is learning so much more than academics, she is learning how to be a compassionate, positive member of society. We love Wish!
—Submitted by a parent

We were so lucky to be chosen for this wonderful school, my son Omar is so happy here he loves Ms Shelly his 2nd grade teacher she is so nice. The principal is so great and understanding with the children. Most of all the learning experience is great. Thank you, Thank you , WISH CHARTER SCHOOL
—Submitted by a parent

I WISH there were more than five stars to give this school. We searched the west side of L.A. for a school where our daughter would be encouraged to explore, try new things, and express herself, while at the same time getting an excellent standards-based education, where there would be music and art integrated into the curriculum and a sense of civic responsibility modeled for all children. We found it!!! We love WISH Charter and feel lucky every day to be part of this community of caring, gifted educators (including a 2010-2011 EDDY Award winner), wonderful staff, a superb principal, involved parents, and wonderful, creative children. WISH is a dream come true.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is nearing the end of his Kindergarten year at WISH Charter, and we could not be happier with the school. The Principal, Shawna Draxton, is outstanding. She listens to the parents and always puts the children first. The other parents also rave about their teachers, but I can't imagine a better teacher than Ms. Snider, who my son has had this year. She is great about communicating with the parents and making the class and learning FUN for the kids! My son loves going to school every day, which I think is such an important thing to do from the beginning- if kids love learning, then they learn so much more. And he HAS learned so much! What I love most about WISH? The parent involvement- we have an amazing group of families who have volunteered so much time and energy to help this school succeed in its first year. They have started a hot lunch program, garden, library, recycling and composting program, and SO much more! I can't imagine a more dedicated, welcoming, fun group of parents or a better school to be at!
—Submitted by a parent

My family and I are proud members of the WISH community. My son is currently a Kindergartener and is thriving at this exceptional school. The Principal is warm and loving and incredibly hands on with the kids. Every time I'm on campus, I see her down on eye level chatting with them or playing a game of whiffle ball. In fact, I don't think I have EVER seen her in her office. The family involvement is fantastic. I personally serve as a room parent and the Event Committee Chair and I would say most parents contribute in some capacity. We feel so lucky to be a part of this special little school that seems to be capable of just about anything.
—Submitted by a parent